Resources

Hetch Hetchy Environmental Debates

San Francisco Examiner Petition to the Senate of the United States Supporting the Raker Bill, December, 1913

In this petition, hundreds of California residents urged Congress to pass the Raker Bill, a bill to grant San Francisco the right to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Written and distributed by the San Francisco Examiner, this petition stressed to Congress that San Francisco's need for water was urgent and that the Hetch Hetchy Valley was the only available water source not under private control. The paper, owned by William Randolph Hearst, published regular pieces in support of the Raker Bill.